Saturday, October 15, 2011

2011 Meet the Misses v.50 - Miss Mundo Dominicana 2011

Dominican Republic shares a border with Haiti on the second largest island in the Caribbean, Hispaniola. Occupying the eastern two-thirds of the island, the Dominican Republic is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south. The population of the Dominican Republic was estimated at 9,760,000. The nation has a diverse topography. Mountains, valleys and beaches make up the diverse photogenic land. Three large mountain ranges run through the island, including the nearly two-mile high peak of Antilles, Pico Duarte. In fact, nearly half of the island is taken up by the large mountain ranges that run through it. The Dominican Republic also has the lowest point in the Caribbean, Lake Enriquillo. It is one of many lakes, lagoons and rivers that accompany the Dominican Republic's 1600 kilometers of beautiful Caribbean beaches. There are many small offshore islands and cays that are part of the Dominican territory. The two largest islands near shore are Saona, in the southeast, and Beata, in the southwest. The nation is home to the oldest European-established city in the Americas, Santo Domingo. Santo Domingo can boast of many firsts in the Americas, including the first university, cathedral, and castle, the latter two in the Ciudad Colonial area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was more than 500 years ago that the Dominican Republic began to write its history. The Taino Indians first inhabited the island. Then on 1492, Christopher Columbus arrived on the island naming it Hispaniola. For years, the entire island went through several changes of power. Toward the end of the 17th century, the French colonized the western part of the island. In 1795, Spain relinquished power of the eastern part of the island to France, leaving the entire island under French power. The colony temporarily returned to Spain until December 1821 when a group of men led by José Núñez de Cáceres declared temporary independence. In 1822 the Haitians took over the eastern part of the island for 22 years. In 1844, Juan Pablo Duarte began the fight for independence and the Dominican Republic was born. In 1861, the republic was once again annexed by Spain until after the Restoration War in 1865. Dominican Republic debuted in Miss World 1966 and produced a winner in 1982 with Mariasela Alvarez. This year Marianly Tejada Burgos, Miss Mundo Dominicana 2011, will represent her nation in Miss World 2011.

The Times of Beautyproudly presents Marianly Tejada Burgos, Miss Mundo Dominicana 2011, in an exclusive interview for our interview series, Meet the Misses.

1. Give us an introduction of yourself.

I'm 20 years old and in the 6th semester of my degree in architecture. Meanwhile, I work with two modeling agencies, one in Cincinnati and one in New York. All that until I decided to return to the Dominican Republic to participate in the Miss Dominican Republic World 2011 pageant.

2. Tell us a bit more about your country and hometown.

Dominican Republic, a beautiful island that we share with our neighbors in Haiti. It is rich not only in nature, but also in hardworking, warm and welcoming citizens. Duarte, the province where I grew up is located north. It's capital San Francisco de Macoris, is also considered the world's capital of organic cocoa. It produces more than 40 percent. We also stand out for the cattle and for being one of the largest producers of rice and green plantains in the country.

3. What does it mean to you to represent your country at the 61st Miss World finals?
It's a blessing and also a great responsibility. In my shoulders lays the image of my country to the world.

4. If you have to choose a song to describe yourself, which would you choose and why?

Puedes Llegar by Voces Unidas. I've applied the message of the song my whole life. "Dream with what you desire the most, those things that are hard to achieve. Offer to complete your goal and believe you will watch it realize. You can make it!"

5. How would you describe a typical day in your life?

Currently I wake up very early, go to the gym, and contact the organization to see what I have in schedule.

6. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

As an architect, but I also have a few acting projects that I would love to see accomplished by then. Only God knows what's on store for me.

7. Which well known person from your country you most admire and why?

Oscar de La Renta. As an art lover I can appreciate all his artistic talent and despite he left his home country at an early age, he always highlights his Dominican roots and makes us proud.

8. If you had to choose any other country to live in, which one would you choose and why?
If I had to chose another country it would definitely be some place similar to the Dominican Republic. I grew up just in the right place because I enjoy the sun and outdoors very much.

9. After the Sendai Earthquake, nuclear energy has become a focus of attention. Are you in favor or against the use of this kind of energy as a way to reduce the dependence on oil?
I understand that compared to hydrocarbon energy, nuclear energy has a significant ecological argument in its favor, but I would prefer the use of solar or thermal energy. We would be making something of the heat that the sun transmits to the Earth and the air movement and at the same time these two have far less side effects.

10. What do you think is the worst kind of human injustice or prejudice happening now?

I have never understood the concept of a war. innocent people are always the most affected ones.

11. What are your duties as Miss Mundo Dominicana?

Apart from preparing to represent my country in the eyes of the world. We work with foundations such as El Voluntariado de Jesus Con los Ninos that raises funds, medicine and other donations for children with cancer and children in the burn unit. We also work with the Federation of Dominican athletes. I'm also the voice of many social situations in my country.

12. What role can social media (ex. Facebook, Twitter, etc) play in the life of a beauty pageant titleholder?

The first thing I can stress is that with my busy schedule I can keep up with world news because I can access them from my mobile phone. The second thing is that it has like an amplifier effect. You can send a good message to many more people and last, I can keep people updated on my activities as the current Miss Dominican Republic World.

13. What does it mean to be a human being?

It means being aware that we do not live alone in this world and that our actions can have a positive or negative effect on others. A feature that should always be present in a human being is compassion.

14. What do you feel is your purpose in life?

I'm here to discover the purpose that God has for me. As it happens I live each day to the fullest, giving the best in me and choosing to be happy in spite of any situation that can come up.

15. Share a message to your supporters and readers of The Times of Beauty.

Sending lots of good vibes! Thank you for keeping up with everything, and expect an excellent participation of the Dominican Republic this coming November 6 at the Miss World 2011 pageant.

and finally...

Personal Motto: "The consistency of little details makes the great things."

Personal Goal: To put the name of the Dominican Republic at the highest place.

The Times of Beauty offers annual coverage of the two best beauty pageants in the planet: Miss World and Miss Universe. The website and its owner are not related in any form or manner whatsoever with these international pageants. "Miss World" and "Mister World" are property of Miss World Limited based in London, United Kingdom. "Miss Universe" is property of Miss Universe L.P., LLLP based in New York, New York, United States. The Times of Beauty does not claim credit or ownership for any images featured unless otherwise noted. We aim to give credit when we can. All visual content is copyright to its respectful owners.